Graphic Design and Screen Printing

Topic: Graphic Design

Project: Screen Printing

Academic Area/Skills:  Math, Technology, Art

Materials: Geometric Blocks, Ruler, Pencil, Permanent Markers, Silk Screen Fabric, Picture Frames, Fabric Inks, Paint Brushes, Mod Podge, T-Shirts

Grade: 3+

Students in third grade were learning about graphic design. The unit began with students creating their own personal logo. Students sketched their idea by hand then used an art app on the iPads to digitally design their logos. 

The following session, students began the process of creating a geometric pattern to screen print on a shirt. This project took about 4 weeks to complete. Check out this video on the whole screen printing process. 

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HyM4erwpelk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Week 1: Students explored with the geometric blocks. Once they found a pattern they liked, they traced the blocks. They learned about negative and positive space.

Week 2: Students used a straight edge to clean up their designs. Students colored over the pattern with a black permanent marker. 

Week 3: Students began using Mod Podge to paint their designs onto the silk screen fabric. The screens were made by stapling the silk screen fabric to old wooden picture frames (with the glass removed). You can also purchase the whole frame and screen together from an art store. 

Week 4: Students brought in shirts from home and inked the colors of their liking to their shirts! They were so proud of their creations!